Imagine a national leader who permits his countrymen to suffer and die, disclaiming any responsibility. The only part that need be imagined is “leader.” The rest plays out daily in real time.
Donald J. Trump will not and could not lead responsibly in this pandemic. He is intellectually, morally and socially incapable. While everyone entering the White House is screened for coronavirus, he urges his followers to gather, unmasked and untested for COVID-19, in states where he needs to bring down Democratic governors and win electoral votes.
He wants to privatize the postal service or let it collapse at a time when mail order sustains small businesses, because he fears that mail-in votes are tamper proof. He attacks reporters who seek to inform the public. His briefings are campaign rallies peppered with lies. He delays relief checks because he wants his name on them. Despite daily statistics that show the virus at very infectious levels nationwide, he supports governors who open beaches, stores and manufacturing.
Millions of Americans have heeded the words, ”We’re all in this together,” showing their best selves, sheltering in place and behaving responsibly in public. They support the frontline responders in many ways. Because the president has politicized the pandemic, the rift between these good folk and his willful sycophants demonstrates that we’re not in this together.
Irresponsible people will cause more suffering, costing us taxpayers more money in relief aid, and keeping us indoors when we could have flattened the curve.
CHRISTINE HAGUE
Weare